1. Dogs find new gear

How about that third quarter?

The roles were reversed in the scheme of the Bulldogs’ season on Saturday afternoon.

At times, it’s been a one-quarter lapse that has cost them – think the Richmond, Port Adelaide and Brisbane Lions games.

But this time, against another finals contender in Melbourne, it was the Bulldogs who found that spark. 

A six-goal-to-nil burst after half-time was the catalyst for an impressive win, led by none other than skipper Marcus Bontempelli.

2. Devastating dee-fensive transition

The Bulldogs’ back line has the capability to turn defence to attack in a matter of seconds.

And that’s exactly what they did, on multiple occasions, against the Dees.

The return of Jason Johannisen and Hayden Crozier offered the Bulldogs even more attacking power off half-back, alongside Caleb Daniel and Bailey Williams.

You could make a case for it being Johannisen’s most impactful game of 2020, with 21 disposals and some sizzling, line-breaking runs.

Bailey Williams continued his breakthrough season, generating almost 600 metres gained from 19 disposals, while Daniel’s precision passing and Crozier’s intercepting and rebound were also important.

3. Where there’s a Wall, there’s a way

With every week of 2020, Mitch Wallis the forward has gained more fans.

This time, he produced a career-best four goals to help lead the Bulldogs to victory – and with his daughter Charlotte in the stands for the first time.

Wallis has been one of the side’s most consistent players this year and leads the goal-kicking tally with 20 majors from 13 games.

The way he has settled into his new role has been outstanding.

His strength in the contest as a midfielder has transitioned to his forward play, and he sure knows how to make the most of his opportunities around the big sticks.